The Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) team celebrated the first visit of Icon of The Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, to Nassau on Thursday, January 18. Visitors sailing aboard the massive Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL) vessel were greeted with a fiery Junkanoo performance by the Music Makers Junkanoo Group, which sparked the beginning of a day of Authentically Bahamian festivities that extended from the pier into the Port Marketplace.
Mike Maura Jr., CEO & Director at NCP, joined the Hon. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments, & Aviation, Michael Bayley, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International, and a host of local dignitaries and industry executives for a special inaugural ceremony aboard the ship. Maura celebrated the strength of the partnership between Royal Caribbean and Nassau Cruise Port, affirming that by remaining committed to their collaboration, both parties will continue to further strengthen the Bahamian economy.
“Icon of the Seas is truly in a class of its own, and the Royal Caribbean team should be immensely proud of the result of this incredible seven-year endeavour,” said Maura Jr. “We appreciate the confidence that Royal Caribbean continues to show in Nassau Cruise Port and in The Bahamas to deliver a superior tourism product, and we look forward to continuing to work with the RCCL team in ensuring that its guests enjoy fun, memorable experiences in Nassau.”
“This is magnificent for the Bahamas,” Deputy Prime Minister Cooper exclaimed. “It is a great day for Royal Caribbean but a magnificent day for Nassau Cruise Port and The Bahamas.” He continued, “[We are] on the verge of greatness for 2024. The numbers are expected to be significant coming from RCCL but also from the entire industry. We are looking forward to another banner year.”
Deputy Prime Minister Cooper also expressed his gratitude to the RCCL team, declaring that “The Bahamas' culture, [and] the advancement of youth and creative industries" will benefit immensely from the collaboration between Royal Caribbean International, Nassau Cruise Port, and The Islands of the Bahamas.
